Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis

Collinsville man charged in connection with roommate's death

News-Democrat

The 49-year-old roommate of a Collinsville man found dead Monday was charged in connection with his death.

Timothy J. Hillyer, of 992 St. Clair Court, was charged by the St. Clair County State's Attorney with two counts of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with the death of Russell O. Miller, 55.

The investigation continues and additional charges are expected to be filed against Hillyer at a later date, according to Collinsville Police Lt. Eric H. Zaber.

A body was found Monday in the 900 block of St. Clair Court in Collinsville. Police would release few details. Crime scene tape was around a house under construction, and a police car sat at a mobile home on the block. - Derik Holtmann/BND

Miller's body was found in the 900 block of St. Clair Court near where he lived in a trailer. The Major Case Squad was activated to assist in the case and 18 investigators from the metro-east area responded to assist the Collinsville Police Department with the investigation.

Neighbors reported him missing on April 15 but they first became suspicious that something was wrong at least 10 days earlier because they noticed his dog, Lexi, had been tied up behind his trailer for two weeks and saw no sign of Miller.

Neighbors described Lexi as Miller's "whole life," and they knew something was wrong when he wasn't seen caring for the dog and she was left tied up outside. Neighbors eventually rescued the dog and reported Miller missing.

Hillyer remains in custody in the St. Clair County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond.

Any one with any additional information regarding Hillyer or Miller's death is asked to call the Major Case Squad at 344-2131, ext. 5924, or call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2012/04/27/2156910/collinsville-man-charged-in-connection.html#storylink=cpy

 

Major Case Squad identifies man found dead in Collinsville

BY DENISE HOLLINSHED • dhollinshed@post-dispatch.com

Russell O. Miller in a photo provided by authorities.

The Major Case Squad on Tuesday identified the man found dead at a home in the 900 block of St. Clair Court as 55-year-old resident Russell O. Miller. Police are considering the death suspicious. Miller was reported missing April 15. Collinsville police found a body Monday night and the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was activated. The team of officers from area departments is called in when authorities need extra manpower in the early stages of an investigation.

Collinsville Major Dave Roth, who is acting as the deputy commander of the Major Case Squad, declined to provide specifics in the case. Anyone with any information regarding suspicious activity or suspicious people in the 900 block of St. Clair Court are asked to call the Major Case Squad at 618-344-2131 extension 5924, or CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477. Patrick M. O'Connell contributed to this report.

Read more: StlToday